Reginald.  Oh, I cant be bothered looking after things like that.  I’m all right.

Leo.  Youre not:  youre a disgrace.  You never consider that youre a disgrace to me:  you think only of yourself.  You must come home with me and be taken proper care of:  my conscience will not allow me to let you live like a pig. [She arranges his necktie].  You must stay with me until I marry St John; and then we can adopt you or something.

Reginald [breaking loose from her and stumping off past Hotchkiss towards the hearth] No, I’m dashed if I’ll be adopted by St John.  You can adopt him if you like.

Hotchkiss [rising] I suggest that that would really be the better plan, Leo.  Ive a confession to make to you.  I’m not the man you took me for.  Your objection to Rejjy was that he had low tastes.

Reginald [turning] Was it? by George!

Leo.  I said slovenly habits.  I never thought he had really low tastes until I saw that woman in court.  How he could have chosen such a creature and let her write to him after—­

Reginald.  Is this fair?  I never—­

Hotchkiss.  Of course you didnt, Rejjy.  Dont be silly, Leo.  It’s I who really have low tastes.

Leo.  You!

Hotchkiss.  Ive fallen in love with a coal merchant’s wife.  I adore her.  I would rather have one of her boot-laces than a lock of your hair. [He folds his arms and stands like a rock].

Reginald.  You damned scoundrel, how dare you throw my wife over like that before my face? [He seems on the point of assaulting Hotchkiss when Leo gets between them and draws Reginald away towards the study door].

Leo.  Dont take any notice of him, Rejjy.  Go at once and get that odious decree demolished or annulled or whatever it is.  Tell Sir Gorell Barnes that I have changed my mind. [To Hotchkiss] I might have known that you were too clever to be really a gentleman. [She takes Reginald away to the oak chest and seats him there.  He chuckles.  Hotchkiss resumes his seat, brooding].

The bishop.  All the problems appear to be solving themselves.

Lesbia.  Except mine.

The general.  But, my dear Lesbia, you see what has happened here to-day. [Coming a little nearer and bending his face towards hers] Now I put it to you, does it not show you the folly of not marrying?

Lesbia.  No:  I cant say it does.  And [rising] you have been smoking again.

The general.  You drive me to it, Lesbia.  I cant help it.

Lesbia [standing behind her chair with her hands on the back of it and looking radiant] Well, I wont scold you to-day.  I feel in particularly good humor just now.

Tie general.  May I ask why, Lesbia?

Lesbia. [drawing a large breath] To think that after all the dangers of the morning I am still unmarried! still independent! still my own mistress! still a glorious strong-minded old maid of old England!